Chapter 10 – Renewable Energy Resources in Kenya

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Abstract

Energy is an important input in a country's development process since it provides the stimulus, drive and momentum for socioeconomic development. It forms one of the foundations on which the three key pillars of the Kenya Vision 2030 (Economic, Social and Political Governance) are anchored on. The country therefore needs to generate more energy and increase efficiency in energy consumption in order to realize Vision 2030 and the overall socioeconomic growth in the country. Kenya is endowed with significant amounts of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro and biomass. However, few renewable energy resources in the country have been fully assessed, mapped and appraised for their technical and economic viability. If harnessed, these resources can play a significant role in the country's energy supply mix. Kenya has made a significant effort to assess wind, solar and small-hydro potential in the country. However, comprehensive assessment, mapping and appraisal of all the renewable energy resources in the country have not been fully done in order to determine their technical and economic viability. The sections below present the renewable energy situation in Kenya.